Farmers of Korotari and Vu­nicuicui, Labasa have been given the assurance that Government will try to stop the washing away of Korotari river bank.

The pledge came from the Assis­tant Minister for Agriculture Viam Pillay during a talanoa session at these two areas on Wednesday night.

The vegetable and sugarcane farmers told Mr Pillay that dur­ing the recent heavy rainfall, soil washed away from the riverbank and many farms were under water.

During the sessions Assistant Minister for Sugar George Vegna­than was also present.

Mr Pillay said a team from the De­partment of Environment would begin a river bank protection pro­ject where they would plant vetivar grass along the riverbank to stop soil erosion.

“This typical grass has deep roots and can hold the soil which can help protect the river bank,” Mr Pillay said.

“I am aware that when this river overflows it can damage the foot bridge and cause a threat to Labasa Town.”

Korotari and Vunimoli advisory councilior, Satish Chand, told Mr Pillay that his team had carried out assessments last week.

“This was where farmers told him that their cattles had also washed away in the flooded river and died,” Mr Chand said.

“We have some farmers who do both vegetable and sugarcane farming, while some focus only on livestock farming.”

Korotari, Vunimoli and Vunicui­cui are said to be one of the biggest suppliers of vegetables in Vanua Levu.

Mr Chand said farmers needed proper drainage systems along the farms and something must be done to the river bank from slipping.

“Keeping this in mind we urge the Government to seriously think about our plight and assist us,” he said.

Mr Vegnathan responded that he would look into this and urge them, the co-operative and non-co-opera­tive members to prepare together for the new crushing season.

Mr Pillay and Mr Vegnathan were part of a standing committee meet­ing and took time from their busy schedule to meet the farmers and address their issues.

Edited by Percy Kean